31 Juli 2015

MRRV for PCG was designed by Marubeni (image : Marubeni)The Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project took a major step forward after the government awarded a contract to a Japanese shipbuilder for ten 44m patrol boats.With 7,107 islands and 10.2% of the world’s coastline the Philippines faces daunting challenges such as human trafficking, illegal fishing, pollution, criminal activity, piracy, terrorism and smuggling. Oil companies estimate US$500 million annually is lost to smuggling.The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) ordered the vessels from Japan Marine United (JMU) on 4 June. Jun Abaya, the DOTC secretary, declared, ‘These ten new vessels will help the coast guard in its functions of maritime law enforcement, search-and-rescue operations, and upholding maritime security within Philippines seas.’Considering that the PCG surface fleet currently comprises only 22 vessels, these new Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV) will contribute greatly to a more rapid response to maritime security incidents.The PCG told Shephard: ‘With the increasing volume of maritime traffic and trade the risk of maritime incidents has likewise risen proportionately. With increasing commerce and movement of people, the probability of crime on the high seas also threatens the country’s security and the safety of various stakeholders.’

The PCG said the new MRRVs will be used as primary rescue vessels, marine environment protection, enforcing maritime laws (e.g. illegal fishing and sea patrols), disaster relief operations and transportation. They will be stationed in Manila, La Union and Puerto Princesa amongst other PCG bases.The ten boats and associated spare parts will be delivered over a 24-month period beginning in late August 2016. Being implemented as an Official Development Assistance project, the procurement is being funded under a $161.7 million loan by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, with the Philippine government investing the balance of $31.5 million.The PCG boats are manned by 25 crewmen, and an artist’s depiction indicates the design is based on the Bizan class used by the Japan Coast Guard (JCG). Powered by two MTU 12V 4000 M93L engines, the MRRV’s cruising speed is 15 knots and it has a range of 1,500 nautical miles. JMU has extensive experience building vessels for the JCG, while Marubeni Corporation will assist their introduction into the PCG.The PCG possesses 7,590 uniformed personnel and 287 civilians. The organisation acknowledged to Shephard it has a ‘formidable task of protecting the country’s maritime jurisdiction and economic interests…In internal challenges we have limited numbers of surface and air assets and limited numbers of personnel.’The PCG plans to recruit 1,000 personnel in 2015 to man vessels and field stations, as well as acquire two new helicopters.(Shephard)

The avionics are a critical part of the Distributed Targeting System which will significantly improve the aircraft's networking capabilities, enhance targeting precision and shorten the time from target sensing to shooting.

"The F/A-18 brings critical Navy fighter and electronic warfare capabilities for the U.S. and key allies such as Australia," said Ed Zoiss, president, Electronic Systems, Harris Corporation. "Upgrading the mission- and image-processing prowess of the platform will help ensure that it continues to be the primary fighter aircraft for the U.S. Navy."

The combat-proven Super Hornet provides unequaled air dominance and precision strike capability. The EA-18G Growler, derived from the Super Hornet, is the U.S.' newest and most advanced airborne electronic attack platform. The Super Hornet and Growler programs support 60,000 jobs in the U.S. across 800 suppliers in 44 states, accounting for $3 billion in annual economic impact.

Australian amphibious warfare potential, before and after the LHD procurement (image : ASPI)Many people familiar with the ADF will claim that Australia has always had an amphibious warfare capability. While that might be true for hardware, the quality and capacity of the capability was never adequate for the perceived strategic and operational needs. Thankfully, Australia hasn’t had to employ the capability under hostile or opposed conditions since 1945. The ADF has conducted several expeditionary operations involving sea transport and in some cases amphibious sea transport, but those operations involved either a permissive landing site or even the use of an existing port facility. None involved the execution of a ship to objective manoeuvre in which a force had to defeat, deter (through tactical action) or avoid an opposing force and secure a landing site to serve as a sea point of disembarkation until a wharf or harbour facility could be secured through follow-on operations. The Army didn’t see amphibious warfare as a priority and therefore didn’t organise, educate or train its forces for amphibious warfare. To be clear, before the purchase of the LHDs, the ADF had some amphibious capacity, centred on HMAS Choules (LSD), HMAS Tobruk (LSH), and the two LPAs, HMAS Manoora and HMAS Kanimbla. The age of the Tobruk, and many problems with the LPAs, provided part of the justification for the decision to buy the two LHDs.The LHD procurement, combined with the maintenance of HMAS Choules, has greatly increased the ADF’s amphibious warfare capacity and potential (Figure 4). The tonnage, manpower, lane metres and helicopter landing spots available with the LHDs fundamentally change what the ADF might be able to do. As one person explained in our interviews, ‘if the Australian government just wanted amphibious sea transport capability, then they certainly bought the wrong ships.’ With the procurement of the LHDs, Australia has overcome a capacity challenge in developing amphibious warfare capability for large-scale ship to objective manoeuvre operations. We’ll now have to overcome the challenge of integrating land forces and synchronising all of the other fundamental inputs to capability if we want to achieve the specified and implied tasks of the 2013 DWP. If the 2015 DWP increases those expectations and includes tasks that are higher on the threat and complexity spectrum, the challenge will be even more difficult and costly. Due to the guidance gap, ADF leaders, especially the service chiefs, have agreed to postpone some key decisions about the sustainment of amphibious warfare capability and take an iterative approach. In the interim, they’ve filled the guidance gap by interpreting the 2013 DWP in such a way as to set the highest feasible threshold (employ an ARG in an amphibious assault) for amphibious warfare capability to be achieved by 2017. The ADF will wait for clearer guidance from the upcoming DWP and Force Structure Review, which the government expects to publish in September 2015. In the meantime, the ADF has wisely planned to take full advantage of lessons learned in the validation process until 2017. However, it’s important to note that many decisions about the sustainment of amphibious warfare capability after 2017 must be made before the end of 2015 if they’re to be effectivelyimplemented by 2017.see full article ASPI

30 Juli 2015

Arrival of the seventh Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III at RAAF Base Amberley. (photo : Aus DoD)Fastest C-17A delivery in Australian historyThe seventh C-17A Globemaster III aircraft arrived in Australia at RAAF Base Amberley today, marking the fastest C-17A delivery in our fleet.Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews said the rapid acquisition of the aircraft is a testament to the close relationship that exists between Australia and the United States. “The active involvement of a number of United States and Australian agencies has been pivotal in meeting the successful delivery of this aircraft and I applaud everyone involved in the acquisition program,” Minister Andrews said.“This acquisition signifies considerable work opportunities for the local industry, with $300 million being spent to upgrade facilities.“With its proven ability to transport heavy equipment, vehicles and helicopters in a short time frame, the C-17A’s capabilities are vital to Australia’s national security and safety.”Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Leo Davies, AO, CSC said the acquisition of two additional C-17A aircraft will increase the Australian Defence Force’s capacity to provide vital community and humanitarian assistance.“The C-17A fleet has been integral to recent operations including the rapid deployment of Australian forces in support of the Iraq Government , assistance in the Queensland floods, and the recovery of MH17 victims from Eastern Ukraine,” Air Marshal Davies said.“This latest acquisition will bolster our existing fleet of strategic lift aircraft – providing vital heavy airlift support to a range of operations, and increase our capacity to provide swift disaster relief and humanitarian assistance at home and abroad.“Under Plan Jericho, the Air Force is dedicated to developing a networked, future joint force that can respond across the spectrum – from combat to humanitarian support. An additional two C-17A aircraft will help us achieve that,” Air Marshal Davies said.The Government announced the acquisition of two additional C-17A aircraft in April 2015 representing a $1 billion investment in Australia’s security and Defence Force. The eighth C-17A is planned to arrive in Australia in late 2015.(Aus DoD)

PF-15 BRP Gregorio del Pilar (photo : pdff)ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The BRP Gregorio del Pilar Patrol Frigate (PF) 15 will be equipped with missile system for long range threats, according to official.BRP Gregorio del Pilar, one of the two Philippine Navy (PN) flagships, arrived in this city as part of its routine patrol in southern Philippines.Navy Captain Vincent Sibala, commander of BRP Gregorio del Pilar said the main firepower of his warship is the 7mm Oto Melara cannon and other armaments which are still working with upgraded sensors.BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a mainstay in the West Philippine Sea is also equipped with long range radar system that can detect other crafts in the sea.Sibala said additional guns and sensors are already in the pipeline of the Department of National Defense (DND).The missile system however is not yet installed.“But we are looking forward that we will have missile capability soon,” Sibala said. “Because the trainings of our personnel and their performance we are already up to far. Kayang-kaya na po nila yong mag-acquire ng missile.”Sibala maintained that they strictly follow the trust of the Philippine government not to escalate the situation at the West Philippine Sea.“We are here for peace and not basically to fight for a war,” Sibala said. “We should be ready but as much as possible, we try to avoid it.”Sibala cited that they follow the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES), an agreement signed by 21 countries, including the Philippines and China, which aims to deescalate naval encounters.(PhilStar)

Royal Australian Air Force gaining airborne electronic attack capability with first EA-18G Growler (photo : Australian Aviation)Boeing is unveiling an Australian version of the aircraft that offers a veil of protection to fighter fleets. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is receiving its first EA-18G Growler. Australia joins the United States as the only two nations to fly the airborne electronic attack platform. The Growler’s radar-jamming devices deceive and frustrate enemy forces and allow strike jets to carry out their missions undetected. “The Growlers really compliment our air combat capability our legacy fighters, our Super Hornets and the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF); they’ll be a lot more lethal when you have a Growler up there to support,” said Wing Cmdr. Cameron Cornell, deputy project manager, Australian Growler program. Members of the Royal Australian Air Force will train with the U.S. Navy to learn the intricacies of controlling the electromagnetic spectrum.The Royal Australian Growler recently demonstrated its agile flight capabilities during its first flight in St. Louis, Mo., where the Growler and Super Hornet assembly lines are located. Check out the video to see the Australian Growler’s air prowess in action and learn more about Australia’s desire to master the art of electronic deception.(Boeing)

Starstreak V-Shorads (photo : lowyat)Shah Alam: Malaysia has signed the deal for the procurement of the Thales Starstreak V-Shorads, ahead of the official visit of the UK Prime Minister on Thursday.Industry sources told Malaysian Defence that the dealinvolved Global Komited Sdn Bhd which will supply the GM-K1 vehicles and Thales UK, the producer of the Starstreak V-Shorads. The deal will also include light weight multiple launchers, radars and command and control system.Global Komited, a subsidiary of Weststar Group and Thales signed the agreement to market the Starstreak system to the Malaysian Armed Forces at DSA 2014.The Starstreak will replace the Thales Starbust V-Shorads which had been used in the air defence of military bases.As the signing today is for the LOA, the LOI for the deal would have been signed much earlier but was kept under wraps until today.David Cameron, the UK PM will be in Kuala Lumpur Thursday for a 12 hour visit, the last leg of his South East Asia tour and the first to the region since his recent re-election.The Starstreak deal is the only defence item procured during the visit.(Malaysian Defence)

29 Juli 2015

P-8As for the US Navy on Boeing’s mission systems integration line for the aircraft, which is adjacent to Boeing Field, Seattle. (photo : Australian Aviation)Components for the first Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft for the RAAF are already in production ahead of the aircraft’s first flight in mid-2016, Boeing says.The fuselage for the first RAAF P-8A, dubbed ‘Aussie 01’, should arrive at Boeing’s Renton factory to begin final assembly by early 2016, James Detwiler, Boeing Military Aircraft’s director of business development for maritime projects, told Australian journalists in Seattle on Monday.“We’ve already begun production on the first aircraft. Aussie 01 is in production right now in a very long-lead advanced procurement state,” Detwiler said.“The first fuselage will be complete by the end of the year … and that first Australian [fuselage] will be here [Boeing’s mission systems integration line adjacent to Boeing Field in Seattle] in the first part of 2016.”That would lead to a first flight in “mid-year 2016,” Detwiler said.The Australian government announced approval of the RAAF’s acquisition of eight P-8As with options on a further four in February 2014. The first Australian aircraft is due to be delivered in early 2017 and all eight are expected in service by 2021. Prime Minister Tony Abbott said at the time that acquiring the four optioned aircraft would be considered as part of the new Defence White Paper, which is due to be released in coming weeks.To date Boeing has delivered 27 production P-8As to the US Navy out of a requirement – project of record – for 117. Fifty-three P-8As have been contracted for under low rate initial production (LRIP) batches 1 through 4 and the first full-rate production batch. Currently Boeing and the US Navy are finalising contracts for full rate production batch two and long-lead items for full rate production batch three, which will include all eight Australian aircraft. A contract for long-lead items covering the first four RAAF aircraft was signed last August.So far India and Australia are the only confirmed P-8 export customers – but Detwiler said Boeing anticipated that further international orders would take total P-8 production beyond 200 units.“We’re looking at numbers that would bring a fleet size in the 200 ballpark, maybe more,” Detwiler said.India is acquiring eight P-8Is, a variant of the P-8A featuring a different communications suite and a digital magnetic anomaly detector (MAD). Seven of the eight Indian P-8Is have already been delivered.(Australian Aviation)

VPAF Su-22UM3K in Ukraine (photos : KienThuc)Su-22UM3K Vietnam's fighter supposedly been sent to Ukraine to carry out repairs and upgrading.Information on new military air Informant Military-page guide to sources Spotters.net.ua (Ukraine) said.Fighter Su-22M3K 8556 numbers are thought of Vietnam People's Air Force is in Ukraine's Zaporozhye.The source did not disclose how many Su-22M3K of Vietnam were sent to Ukraine for repairs. Only know through the images on Spotters.net.ua disclosed, at least 2 Su-22M3K.

Su-22UM3K are two seats fighters bomber that can be used for part-time as combat trainer.Along with Su-22M3K number 8556 is a Su-22M3K bearing number 8551.According to the Military-Informant, most likely these images taken since 2007 but only now revealed.Su-22M3K and fighter Su-22M4 bombing of Vietnam is also rumored that could have been upgraded in Ukraine.(KienThuc)

The air warfare destroyer Hobart after its launch at Osborne. (photo : AdelaideNow)The option of using the Navantia-designed hull of Australia's Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) as the basis for the proposed Future Frigate that will replace the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) Anzac-class fleet has been quietly dropped, informed sources have told IHS Jane's .At the same time, a reported limit on the displacement of the Future Frigate has been set aside in favour of assessing the capability effects of competing platforms, an industry briefing was told on 15 July.Both developments clear the way for a robust international competition to build at least eight Future Frigates under Project Sea 5000.(Jane's)

Rafale jet fighter (photo : militaryphotos)France aiming for two more Rafale deals by early 2016(Reuters) - France is confident of winning two more foreign orders for its Rafale fighter jet by the beginning of next year as it seeks to extend a spate of recent export successes, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.After failing for years to win an order for its warplane, France has sold 24 Rafales each to Egypt and Qatar in recent months and is in talks to finalise the sale of another 36 to India."There should be two other export contracts for the Rafale by the beginning of next year," not including India, the source said."The most advanced discussions are with Malaysia and the UAE," the source added.In a further development, the source said that France was negotiating with India for options to supply further aircraft on top of the 36 Rafales the country has provisionally agreed to buy.In April, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had ordered 36 "ready-to-fly" Rafale fighters to modernise his country's warplane fleet, dealing directly with the French government after three years of inconclusive negotiations with the plane's manufacturer, Dassault.India has signalled any further purchases will come though government channels, raising doubts over the future of the stalled commercial negotiations with Dassault for 126 jetsCompetitionThe recent spate of Rafale export orders has shaken up the global defence market and given fresh momentum to the French warplane as available production slots begin to dwindle.Analysts and diplomats say the appetite for the jets has also risen as a result of the United States' diminishing influence in the Arab world along with wider security concerns.However, Dassault still faces tough competition from U.S. and European rivals.Kuwait is expected to announce soon an order for 28 Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets, a $3 billion-plus deal that will keep the jets' St. Louis production line running well into 2019, according to people familiar with the deal. .Malaysia, which wants to replace its fleet of Russian MiG-29 fighters, is looking at the Rafale, the F/A-18, Swedish firm Saab's Gripen and the Eurofighter Typhoon.While a Malaysian decision had been expected this year, aviation industry executives have warned that fiscal troubles due to lower oil and commodities prices could lead to delays in placing the order.Indonesia, which needs to replace ageing U.S.-built F-5s, is reported to be studying the Rafale, Eurofighter and Russia's Sukhoi Su-35 as well as Sweden's Gripen and the Lockheed Martin F-16. The Eurofighter consortium comprises Airbus Group , representing Germany and Spain, Italy's Finmeccanica and Britain's BAE Systems.(Reuters)

28 Juli 2015

BRP Ivatan (AT298) and BRP Batak (AT299) will arrive next week (photo : snipview)The Philippine government will purchase remaining three decommissioned Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels from the Australian government. This was confirmed by President Benigno S. Aquino III in his sixth State of the Nation Address (SONA) July 27 at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.“We plan on buying three more, once all the paperwork has been put in order, the processes to procure them will begin,” Aquino said in Filipino. The said vessels are part of five recently decommissioned Australian Balikpapan-class LCVs. Two were donated to Philippine Navy and are expected to arrive next week.“By next week, two Landing Craft Heavy will arrive from Australia,” the President said.He added that the turnover of these vessels was very generous. “They even came with spare parts and generators.”“These vessels will reduce our dependence on the kindness of other nations; we will be able to accelerate delivery to different parts of the Philippines, and more promptly send aid, supplies, and other heavy equipment such as bulldozers, which are needed for clearing and relief operations,” Aquino said.The Department of National Defense previously said remaining three Australian LCHs will be procured at a giveaway price of PhP726 million.(AngMalaya)

A Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter from the Republic of Singapore Air Force lands on the USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) during deck landing qualifications as part of 'CARAT' 2015. (photo : US Navy)In a sign of greater interoperability between the armed forces of the two countries, the US Navy's (USN's) Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) has conducted deck landing qualifications for a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF's) S-70B naval helicopter during a bilateral naval exercise."The RSAF's S-70B Seahawk deck landing qualification on board Fort Worth during this year's Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training' ('CARAT') 2015 Singapore was the first time that the aircraft has landed on a littoral combat ship," Lieutenant Lauryn Dempsey, spokeswoman for the USN's Destroyer Squadron 7, said in response to questions from IHS Jane's on 27 July.The qualifications were conducted during the sea phase of the exercise, part of a series of bilateral naval drills between the USN and the armed forces of nine partner countries in south and Southeast Asia.'CARAT' Singapore 2015 ran from 13-24 July and featured ashore and at-sea phases, the latter focusing on conventional maritime warfare operations including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine operations."With LCS now a routine presence in the region, the ability to cross-deck RSAF helicopters on LCS brings significant versatility to our joint operations together, and provides opportunities for our navies to strengthen our interoperability during future exercises," Lt Dempsey said.Another highlight of this year's drills was the inaugural deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in conventional maritime operational scenarios by both the USN and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).The RSN operated Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle UAVs from its Victory-class guided-missile corvettes RSS Vigour (P 92) and RSS Valour (P 89), while the USN deployed a Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV from Fort Worth . The UAVs were employed for maritime surveillance operations.An RSAF S-70B helicopter operating from the RSN's Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme (73) also took part in combined torpedo firing exercises with a USN MH-60R Seahawk helicopter."CARAT Singapore has increased in scope and complexity over the years," Colonel Seah Poh Yeen, co-commander of the task group for 'CARAT' Singapore 2015, said in a statement released by Singapore's Ministry of Defence on 22 July. "The successful conduct of the combined torpedo firing and the UAV operations underscores the high level of interoperability and trust both navies have achieved," he said.The US and Singapore armed forces have been involved in the 'CARAT' exercises series since it began in 1995. Following 'CARAT' Singapore 2015, additional bilateral phases of the exercise will occur through November 2015 with Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.(Jane's)

Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) for the Australian Defence Force (photo : Airbus Helicopters)Airbus Helicopters has achieved Factory Acceptance of HATS01, the first of fifteen helicopters of the H135 family (EC135 T2+) for the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Boeing Defence Australia as the prime contractor for the new training system for the ADF, joined with representatives of the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army for a Factory Acceptance ceremony for the “ideal training platform for the next generation of Navy and Army pilots”. Under the JP 9000 Phase 7 HATS project, a new joint helicopter training system for both Army and Navy aircrew will utilise the EC135 T2+ helicopters, along with flight simulators and a new flight-deck equipped sea-going training vessel.“Airbus Helicopters is thrilled that Boeing and the Commonwealth of Australia have demonstrated their confidence in our product by accepting this first EC135 T2+, on time and on budget, as part of a world leading high tech helicopter aircrew training system for the ADF”, says Peter Harris, Head of Governmental Sales for Australia Pacific.“Following contract signature in November of 2014, the first aircraft took to the skies on the 16th of January 2015, and is now accepted by the customer. The next steps involve training of initial Boeing and Commonwealth aircrews and technicians here in Donauwörth, before shipment to Australia in January 2016” said Harris.Boeing’s HATS Program Manager James Heading said that during 2015 the Boeing team have been conducting engineering evaluations and ground and flight test activities and have been fully satisfied with the results. “By partnering with Airbus Helicopters on this important program, Boeing Defence Australia is confident of meeting our requirements towards the Commonwealth for providing a mature and cost effective platform that meets training, technical and safety requirements and the future needs of the Australian Defence Force,” said Heading. The EC135 T2+ is a consummate military training helicopter, offering a glass cockpit with high visibility, a multi-axis auto-pilot, the performance and safety of a twin-engine helicopter replacing current single types, plus other advanced technologies to help instructors perform training missions safely and provide the ADF with the flexibility to undertake additional missions.The more than 1,200 H135 helicopters now delivered have clocked up over three million flight hours world-wide. The helicopter is part of successful training systems in Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Japan, and is in service in Australia with the Victorian and New South Wales police forces.(Airbus Helicopters)

Shore-based Missile System (photo : Nafomag)MANILA - Can the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) attain a "minimum credible external defense posture" as promised by President Aquino before he steps down in 2016?Aquino is set to give his fifth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) this coming Monday, and part of his report, as expected, is to update his "Bosses" on the current state of the AFP in the face of China's aggressive reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).In some of his previous SONA, Aquino assured the nation of the highest level of security from the external defense establishment. But, up to now, he has not yet signed the proposed revision of the AFP Modernization for 2013-2017 with a total budget of P60.1 billion, which is also riddled with realignments, most especially the P6.5 billion worth of Shore-based Missile System (SBMS)."[The] remaining time is too short. Big-ticket items take a long time to implement," former AFP chief of staff Alexander Yano responded when asked of his personal opinion.Yano was chief of the military during the time of former Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.Reached through his mobile phone for reaction, Parañaque City Representative Roilo Golez concurred with Yano, although he said Aquino's concern for the AFP, one of the weakest in the region, is very much appreciated."In fairness, he (Aquino) did much better than the other presidents before him," Golez said.But former AFP vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu said the failure to achieve minimum credible external defense posture can also be blamed on the "weak defense leadership.""Well, simply because the AFP Modernization got stalled in the first place," he said, adding the observation that the AFP "doesn't even seem to know its priorities" in terms of capabilities needed to attain it."Worse, corruption has apparently attended the procurement of major items that the AFP urgently needed. Also, personal interests over organizational needs characterized the defense decision-making process. National security and defense are in the back-burner," Mapagu said.Golez said he believes a minimum credible defense posture is not realizable under Aquino's term."No shore-based missile, no flotilla of missile boats and no missile frigates and no combat-ready fighter jets with well-trained pilots, how can you say you have a minimum credible external defense posture?" Golez asked.He pointed out that, while there are 12 FA50 fighters worth P19.8 billion on order from the Republic of Korea (ROK), these are not combat-ready."There are two frigates to be ordered with funds already but will be ready only after three, maybe 4 years. Then we have the two former US Coast Guard cutters, the BRPs Gregorio del Pilar and Ramon Alcaraz, better than previous Navy ships but not fit even for joint operation with the US Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force," Golez said.He said the SBMS is big step to jump-start the territorial defense posture, but the project is in peril after then Army chief and now AFP chief Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri shelved it in favor of infantry helmets and body armors, instead."Iriberri is to blame for canceling the shore-based missile system. He obviously does not understand external defense and is unfit to lead the AFP when we are facing a grave external threat. I urge the Commission on Appointment not to confirm him," Golez said.But Iriberri denied that the missile project has been shelved, because the acquisition is only deferred from the 1st Horizon (2013-2017) to the 2nd Horizon (2018-2023), which is already beyond Aquino's term.National Security Adviser (NSA) Cesar Garcia Jr. has been repeatedly saying in public that the biggest and categorically clear and present danger to our national security is the aggression of China, which the President and the military leadership do not seem to consider.In the last five years of the Aquino administration, the government has, so far, not acquired any military asset for addressing external threats.Golez said the SBMS could be the only credible weapon system to thwart off potential aggression. However, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Iriberri have recommended to Aquino the realignment of the SBMS.If Aquino approves the realignment of the SBMS and/or deferment of the project implementation beyond his term, defense and security experts said they shudder at the thought of its possible implications for the country's external defense capability.The government also risks the diplomatic backlash from Israel, which has been a long-standing ally of the Philippines and where 30,000 undocumented Filipinos are currently staying yet enjoying favors from the Israeli government.A military source disclosed that Israel Military Industries (IMI) is considering the filing of a diplomatic protest on the issue of the supply contract for the SBMS.(InterAksyon)

25 Juli 2015

To replace the fleet of Su-22 fighter-old, maybe in the future Vietnamese Air Force will buy Su-34 heavyweight ground attack of Russia. (photo : AusAirPower)The above is confirmed by the Group Ukroboronprom arms exports (Ukraine) in the report on "Vietnam military potentials". Accordingly, Vietnam may buy attack aircraft Su-34 and some other modern weapons instead of capital equipment originating from the USSR (former) and the Eastern European countries.Reportedly this is not the first time foreign speculation about the possibility of Vietnam buy fighter Su-34, January 8/2013, Itar Tass news agency of Russia also posted this information.

Accordingly, Vietnam Air Force will definitely buy Su-34s to replace the Su-22 aircraft were obsolete. Currently, Vietnam Air Force maintains a lot of attack aircraft Soviet aid Su-22M4/UM3K and partly purchased from the 1990s.

Su-34 Fullback in the Russian Air Force's color scheme (photo : Pavel Bukanov)This type of attack aircraft attack missions destroying all targets on the ground or at sea with these weapons control, no control. However, over the period of use, the Su-22 was old and hard to meet the requirements of modern warfare.Not only Russia and Ukraine speculation, since 2012, Chinese media have also said the same to say that, whenever the Russian Su-34 agreed to be exported, Vietnam will be the first customer convenient.Su-34 is rated at 4+ generation aircraft, capable of performing combat missions in all conditions of time, weather. With a maximum cruising speed of about 1.900km/h, the range of the Su-34 is estimated at 4.500km.

VPAF Su-22M4 (photo : Jetphotos)Su-34's cockpit is equipped with very modern electronic devices, designed with two pilots sit side by side in combat facilitation. Equipped with multi-display functionality, providing information about the situation multidimensional.

The electronics are designed with open computer format, Su-34 is capable of fighting with multiple enemies at once. With very large fuel capacity, Su-34 can fly 4,500 kilometers without refueling.Designed with the main task of ground attack, but the Su-34 still possesses a formidable aerial ability. With the ability to carry large amounts of weapons, Su-34 Russian military was nicknamed the "flying tank".Su-34 was designed with 12 pylons and carrying weapons are up to 8,000 kg, it is also intended for the Su-34 equipped with both high precision weapons, Russia's latest Su-34 retained 30 mm cannon GSh-30-1 from the Su-27/Su-30.(BaoDatViet)

The Japanese government has allocated the budget and formally begun the process of constructing and adding a new subclass of Aegis destroyers to its existing fleet of Kongo and Atago class Aegis ships. This new subclass is officially called the "27DD". It is widely regarded as the second but a much improved batch of the JMSDF's Atago class destroyer (which in turn is the same improvement of Kongo). The two ships of 27DD will be commissioned in 2020 and 2021. (image : Japan MoD)According to the Japanese MoD's RfP to bidding contractors, the 27DD will incorporate a number of design changes compared to the first batch of Atagos. First, the hull of 27DD has been enlarged to an empty displacement of 8,200 tons compared to the original Atago's 7,700 tons. It is believed in the Japanese defense community that the enlargement of the hull was conceived in order to provide a necessary growth space for advanced naval weapon systems that are currently under development in Japan, and will be incrementally added to the ships' arsenal as they are developed -- such as railguns and laser point-defense systems.

JAX high-calibre railgun for naval ships (image : Japan MoD)And like all Japanese combatant ships now being constructed, The 27DD ships will be powered by a COGLAG propulsion system (these two, as would be explained again later, would represent a series of essential improvements to the ships' space and power management and distribution in light of the new weaponry that they will operate in the near future). On the more minor technical front, the new ships will also equip a new surface-search radar (the AN/SPQ-9B from Northrop Grumman), new anti-ship missiles, a multi-static sonar system, and an enhanced Aegis combat system that will offer better Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC).

TRDI laser CIWS (image : Japan MoD)Eventually, the Japanese MoD envisions their new Aegis ships to be the first operating platform of an indigenous naval railgun and laser point-defense system that they are locally developing in Japan. The plan for the railgun armament was outlined in their recently published FY2015 defense budget report. (Japan MoD)Japan agrees to Aegis tech transfer, re-exportThe government of Japan agreed on 23 July to transfer to the United States software and components that will be installed on international versions of the Lockheed Martin-developed Aegis combat system.The Ministry of Defense (MoD) in Tokyo said that the approval enables the items to be exported to a third country following their transfer to Lockheed Martin. In addition to the United States, existing operators of the Aegis combat system include Australia, Japan, Norway, South Korea, and Spain.The MoD added that the decision was made by the National Security Council in response to a request from the US Department of Defense for Japanese industry to participate in the production programme. (Jane's)